About 2 years ago, my husband Danny and I bought a home on 1.15 acres in the Johnson Lane of the Carson Valley. We were a happy family of two adults, two boys, and two Airedale Terriers.
We were considering rescuing an older boy Airedale - maybe one around 11 or 12, and give him a great 'last few years'. After all, we certainly had the land. Then, one day, we got a call from the Douglas County Animal Shelter. They wanted to know if we had our two dogs. After my husband's heart skipped a beat and he frantically looked for our dogs, Glennie and Reno, he found them snoozing in the yard. Well, the person on the other line said, a beautiful young female Airedale was abandoned in front of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office 4 days prior and she was going up for adoption the next day.
Well, we visited her that Sunday, put down a deposit, had her fixed the next day, and welcomed her into our home. This was the picture from the day we brought her home to be with her brother, Reno, and her sister, Glennie.
She has been a complete joy to add to our family! Of course, she is a puppy, and was maybe 1 year old at the time we adopted her. She had the standard chewing puppy behavior, and she needed remedial housetraining, too, but she was worth it. We speculated that she was the victim of a foreclosure. I never knew how special a bond you could have with an animal until we rescued one.
Well, this week we have two more fantastic members of the family joining us!
We are getting two Pygmy Goats! We are waiting upon their arrival any day now. Earlier this week I was wondering about getting a goat for weed control on our acreage. It just so happens that another agent had heard of three goats abandoned at a foreclosure property without food or water. A lender found them on the property and has been caring for them but can't keep them. The other agent in my office contacted me and said she had two if I promised to give them a good home.
I'm learning a lot about goats preparing for their arrival. They are pygmy goats, both girls, aged 5 and are sisters. There was a larger boy, but he is going with the other agent's family - they have lots of goats and he will fit in great there!
You can probably tell by now that I am an animal lover. My parents think I'm nuts, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I just couldn't say no because the animals are the innocent victims of our current economy, and deserve to live a happy, healthy life regardless of the circumstances surrounding them...
Besides, I have LOTS of weeds! (Seriously, I am in the process of getting them a house they will share with the 'future' chickens I hope to have, a teeter totter, and a few other toys, too! Did you know goats like basketballs? Me neither!)
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Christine,
The minute I read your post and how you had "two"...I looked at that photo and thought I knew where this was going. Yet seeing the new additions, that was fun. Good thing you've got lots of room with 1 1/2 acres!
Your post brought me to tears!! Thank you thank you thank you for all that you are bringing into these poor animals lives and hearts! I was raised with goats (just another one of the kids) and a nicer animal can't be found. They are personable and funny little creatures and will bring lots of love to your home.
Yep. It's great to be out in the country where we have enough room that we can make a difference in the lives of animals that have fallen victim to the economic downturn. While we can't take them all, I feel really great knowing we've helped a few. I can't wait to post up a few pictures of them once the goats are settled here, and I really hope the dogs and the goats will be friends. If not, we'll build separate areas for them with additional fencing to keep everyone happy and safe.
Susan-Thank you for your kind words! It's the least I can do for these beautiful loving creatures! I just can't wait! :-)
I have the same rescue gene that you do but nowhere near the property. My heart breaks every time I hear about a poor animal disposed of for one reason or another and have rescued more than my fair share over the years. I'm so glad these animals will have a loving family to bring them the life they were meant to lead. What a gift for your children to share their world with all these creatures.
Geri - I agree completely! They are a real gift and my older son, Jacob (12), is thinking of names for the two girls - I already was thinking of rigging a radio flyer with a stagecoach style setup for my 3 year old, Zachary, to ride in like mini-horse and buggy, but with goats! If I manage to follow through on that antic, I will be sure to post a picture! :-)
Christianne ~ I heard you were getting a new goat! That is so cool! Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Love how the dogs rule the house!
Terrie - Thanks so much! I know huh? I am thinking these couches ought to just go outside for the dogs when we get new ones but I'm not that redneck!
In order for us all to sit down and watch tv, someone is usually moving a dog :-)
Christianne - You will truly be rewarded for your generosity. I would be thrilled to find a farmette in our area so that we could accommodate more critters in need. For those chickens try the following website you will be collecting eggs before you know it
www.mypetchicken.com
Laura - Thanks for the tip! I just CAN NOT wait. The goats should be coming today, and my husband and I are looking at plans to build a shelter for them and the chickens! I'll be sure to post pics too! Then comes my Victory Garden :-)
This is 'organic' at it's very best.